Extremist militia busted: Canadian Armed Forces members among four charged; huge cache of stolen weapons seized

Canada’s police have arrested four men in Quebec, including two active Canadian Forces members, accusing them of stealing military equipment to set up an anti-government extremist militia, Global and Mail reported.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said the men planned to set up an anti-government group and trained in shooting, ambush tactics, survival and navigation. They also did scouting missions to prepare.

Three of the men, Marc-Aurèle Chabot, 24, Raphaël Lagacé, 25 and Simon Angers-Audet, 24 were charged with facilitating terrorism and illegal possession of weapons and military gear. The fourth man, Corporal Matthew Forbes, 33, faces charges for illegally owning and transferring firearms and military equipment.

Police have seized a large collection of weapons, including 58 firearms, 70 high-capacity magazines, military smoke grenades, laser aiming devices, and night-vision goggles.

The RCMP said the group’s motivation was an extremist and anti-authority ideology. One of the men even ran a private Instagram account to recruit more people to join the militia.

A court hearing was held in Quebec City, where the prosecutor argued the men should remain in custody. They will appear in court again on July 14.

According to court documents, the alleged plan happened between 2021 and 2024 in Quebec, Ontario and even involved activities in France and the United States. Experts warn this is an unusual and serious case.

Authorities say the investigation began with raids in January 2024, when police seized 16 explosive devices, 83 guns and 11,000 rounds of ammunition from homes near Quebec City.

The Canadian military worked with police on the investigation. None of the charges have been proven in court.